American Historical Ephemera & Photography

Charleston Daily Courier. Volume LIX, No. 18,794. Charleston, SC: [A.S. Willington & Co.], 19 February 1861. 4pp, folio, approx. 22 x 30 in. (creasing, chipping and small tears especially at folds, dampstaining).

“The Latest News! By Telegraph...Inaugural Speech of President Davis." Front page account with complete text of Jefferson Davis’ inaugural address at Montgomery Alabama. Also with the text of the address of Gen. McQueen before the Texas convention as Texas considered secession, detail on the proceeds of the Confederate Congress, and advertisements seeking the return of freedom seekers: “Runaway on the seventh instant, a Brown girl about 16 years of age… She was raised in city and her name is Silvey. A reward of $20 will be paid for have her apprehension…” “$100 reward for the apprehension of my servant girl Louisa and proof of …her being harbored by a responsible person, or $50 for her delivery in the Charleston workhouse….she is a very dark mulatto about 18 years old, of medium height… And belonged formerly to the estate of H. Monpoey.” “Runaway on 10 January from my premises, my boy Samson about 5 feet high light complexion, blind in one eye about 25 years of age…” Many illustrated ads recruiting troops for military companies. 

[With:] Charleston Daily Courier. Volume LIX, No. 18,806. Charleston, SC: [A.S. Willington & Co.], 5 March 1861. 4pp, folio, approx. 22 x 30 in. (creasing, chipping and small tears especially at folds, dampstaining).

“The Latest News! By Telegraph!... Important from Washington. Inauguration of Pres. Lincoln…..” Complete front-page text of President Lincoln's Inaugural Address. Additional news including a new flag of the Confederate States adopted. “The upper and lower sections are red, and the middle white, with blue union, containing a circle of seven stars… “ Report on deliberations of the first Congress of the Confederate states of America in Montgomery. Recruiting announcements for a number of new regiments. Railroad and shipping adds. Advertisements seeking the return of freedom seekers: “Runaway on the 10th my boy Samson…” Notice of slaves for hire “Negro girl about 18 years of age, accustomed to housework and minding children…” “Two good healthy servants, boy and girl…” “Wanted 20 able Negroes to work on the telegraph line between Charlson and Savannah for two months. $18 for month will be given and provisions and lodging….” “At private sale, a valuable black woman about 35 years of age, superior washer, clear Starcher and ironer, warranted sound…”